By Scout Nelson
Above-average temperatures and little rain gave Minnesota farmers an ideal week for fieldwork, averaging 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending September 29, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The primary field activity was crop harvesting, with some reports of fall tillage beginning and producers hauling water for livestock.
Topsoil moisture was rated 11% very short, 31% short, 56% adequate, and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture was 5% very short, 25% short, 68% adequate, and 2% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn dented reached 93%, with 67% mature, nine days behind last year but on pace with the five-year average. Corn harvest was at 7%, and 62% of the crop was rated good to excellent. Corn for silage harvest reached 83%.
Soybeans coloring was 93% complete, with 78% of leaves dropping, six days behind last year and two days behind average. The soybean harvest reached 35%, with 65% of the crop in good to excellent condition.
Dry edible beans had 95% of leaves dropping, with 66% harvested. The potato harvest was 68% complete, and sugarbeet harvest reached 16%, with 82% of the crop rated good to excellent. Sunflower harvest began at 1%, with the crop rated 76% good to excellent.
Farmers continue to focus on harvest, making the most of the favorable conditions to complete key tasks before the cooler weather sets in.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather